Coalition agreement finally released

After a few weeks of reluctance and a refusal to show, the governing coalition resulting from the March elections has finally released the coalition agreement for 2016-20, signed retroactively for March 23. The governing coalition consists of the Smer-SD, Slovak National Party, Most-Hid and the Sieť/Network party. The preamble of the agreement states that the four parties have agreed on setting up a Government with the aim of securing stability and growth for the country. At the same time they pledged to have transparent governance, preserve Slovakia's traditions and statehood, and to support the country's membership in security and international structures such as NATO and the European Union. Some noteworthy specifics from the agreement include an upgrade of Slovakia's security and defence strategy, and higher attention to Slovaks living abroad. A coalition council featuring four members - the chairmen of the respective parties - has been established to boost coordination within the grouping. It should meet regularly once a month. Any decisions are to be adopted by consensus. In emergency situations, it can be convened by any member within three days.